With his training not working out, Ichigo returns to the world of the living and runs into his father, Isshin, who reveals secrets about his mother and the way she died.

Ichigo, Chad, and Uryu are determined to rescue Orihime from Aizen's vile machinations. The would-be heroes must first pass Tre Cifras--the land of the disgraced Arrancars, who see destroying Ichigo and his friends as a way to redeem their honor.

Ichigo's recent battles with the Arrancars have proven that if he wants to protect his friends he must get stronger, and the only way to do that is to control his inner Hollow. Ichigo turns to the Vizoreds, ex-Soul Reapers who have been Hollowfied, to teach him. But before his training begins, Ichigo must do battle against his Hollow self--winner takes his soul.